Banquet With The King

Friday, September 11, 2015

Holy Spirit for Three Thousand

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. Acts 2:1-4

Pentecost or Shavuot is a Holy Feast, also known as the Feast of Weeks, that celebrates God giving of the Torah to the Jewish people. The Torah—the first five books of the Old Testament—is to guide all of us in how we are to live in the world. Exodus 23:16 give us instructions for Shavuot which is established in Deuteronomy 16:9-10. It is a harvest festival in which the Israelites were to offer a freewill contribution to the Lord marking the fruitful grain harvest. It occurred on Pentecost, 50 days after Passover.

As a fulfillment of the Old Testament, a spiritual harvest began on Pentecost when Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of Holy Spirit as God the Father had promised (Acts 1:4-5). The disciples began to speak in languages of visitors from every nation—with the power of the Holy Spirit—so that everyone could understand God’s message in their own language. There were about three thousand people in Jerusalem that day who believed in Jesus and were baptized after they heard Peter preach following his infilling of the Holy Spirit. Three thousand! That is a lot of people—more than the population in the small farming community in which I grew up.

Part of what Peter preached was from the Old Testament prophet, Joel:

'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants--men and women alike--and they will prophesy. And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below--blood and fire and clouds of smoke. The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the LORD arrives. But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.' Acts 2:17-21 NLT

Things may get a little scary in the last days…smoke and fire…the sun darkened and the moon looking blood red. But don’t be alarmed. God will be with us—He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Keep your account short—confess your shortcomings—your sins—daily and be at peace with the Lord. Be prepared for those last days. Claim that promise in Joel—repeated in Acts 2… But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. Like those visitors to Jerusalem, are you calling on the name of the Lord? Are you or will you be saved?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—I call on You—as well as my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, confessing that He is my Savior. It is in obedience that I work out my salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in me, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13.

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

It is Friday—again! Where has this week gone? Out to the garden or to Farmers’ Market for more fresh cucumbers. There has been a salmonella scare recently, but if you are using fresh homegrown produce or obtaining your vegetables from a local source there should not be a problem. Be sure to wash any produce well or even soak it in a vinegar solution for a few minutes before using it.

Cucumber Salad

Wash, peel and slice thinly a large fresh cucumber. Stir in about ¼ cup of mayonnaise or more so that all the slices of cucumber are lightly coated. Sprinkle on about a teaspoon of fresh dill or about ½ tsp dry dill. Stir well and serve.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Are You Ready and Watching?

Jesus spoke to several disciples about the end times. "For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them. The gospel must first be preached to all the nations. When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit." Mark 13:8-11

Look around you—just like always in the history of the earth there are earthquakes in various places…famines…and wars. Be on guard—be prepared. Christians will suffer persecution—and arrest. But the Holy Spirit will be there for us…giving us words to say. Good promise for us to hang onto—especially if there is a flogging involved. According to Old Testament guidance on punishment… If the guilty person deserves to be beaten, the judge shall make them lie down and have them flogged in his presence with the number of lashes the crime deserves, but the judge must not impose more than forty lashes. If the guilty party is flogged more than that, your fellow Israelite will be degraded in your eyes. Deuteronomy 25:2-3 NIV. In a similar way, Jesus was flogged after His trial, before His crucifixion. Thirty-nine lashes were administered, so as not to exceed the forty lashes requirement. It seems an excess—an inhumane punishment.

The one thing that hasn’t happened—The gospel must first be preached to all the nations. Even this is a debated issue…that either the Gospel was preached in all the world before the Temple was destroyed in 70 AD or that there are still people who still haven’t heard the Gospel—mostly in the 10 and 40 degrees northern latitude area that includes part of Africa, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, China, Japan, North and South Korea, the Philippians, Vietnam, India, Oman, and all the countries in-between which are in that 10/40 window. Either way…only God the Father knows the time and the hour of Jesus’ return—and of the end of the age.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, please give us wisdom to understand the end times as it applies to our lives. Only God the Father knows when the “end times” will occur. Thank you for enlightening us and may we apply to our lives on an individual basis what we’re learning. Help us to be prepared for anything that could happen—sooner or later.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Obey God?

…Peter and the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had murdered by hanging Him on a tree. God exalted this man to His right hand as ruler and Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him." Acts 5:29-32 HCSB

Obedience is the key. It opens the door to allow the Holy Spirit to come into your life. Obey God the Father—and get a gift. The Holy Spirit. What a great gift! We couldn’t ask for anything more in life—the ultimate gift. Everyone likes to open a neatly wrapped gift—either ripping off the paper…or carefully unstrapping the package and neatly folding the paper. Then there is the gift—ahhh! A wonderful surprise! Maybe it is just what you wanted…or thought you wanted. For a little girl—a precious baby doll or dress-up clothes. For a boy—a monster truck or transforming vehicle. For a teen or even an adult—an electronic gadget. Whatever the gift, does it compare to the Holy Spirit? God’s gift is free—no strings attached—no gift expected in return. God the Father loves us so much that first gave us His only Son to die on a cross—or tree—in a humiliating death as a sacrifice for our sin. Then He gave us the Holy Spirit to remind us of His first gift and to guide us in our daily walk—the way we live. Hopefully that lifestyle will be in a way that is pleasing to Him. A lifestyle of obedience—following His teachings and His commandments. Those ten commandments (Exodus 20:2-17) that were given to Moses still are appropriate for today to guide us in our relationship to God and to other people. Are you obedient in those basic commands?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—guide us today in all that we think, say and do that our lives would be in obedience to God the Father’s expectations—His commandments for daily living.

Anniversary Blessings to Lisa and Kim.

May God continue to bless you—guide you—provide and protect you…

in all you think, say and do in the coming year.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Remember?

And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." Luke 22:19

The Holy Spirit helps us to recall everything that we are taught by and about Jesus. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26. Jesus always gives glory to the Heavenly Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13

Jesus never calls attention to Himself, but always directs the attention—the focus—to His Father. His purpose is to do the will of the Father, to speak and do just as the Father tells Him, and to glorify the Father. I thought it interesting that in Luke passage…as well as in 1 Corinthians 12…Jesus commands His disciples to partake of the bread during the Passover meal “in remembrance of Me.” He draws His disciples’ focus or attention to Himself. Remember Him--not His Father. He wants them to remember—but He hadn’t “given” His body just yet. After His crucifixion they remembered what He said. The Holy Spirit reminded them. His body was given as a sin offering—for everyone’s sin. When we take the bread during the communion sacrament we remember what Jesus did for us…His sacrifice for our sin.

Do you remember what Jesus has done for you?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, continually bring to our minds the sacrifice Jesus made for us. He loved us enough to die for us—in obedience to His Father. Our Heavenly Father had a plan…Jesus’ gave His body and His blood for us. May we live holy lives purified by the washing of His blood and by the brokenness of His body. Help us to remember.

Happy Anniversary, Joe & Deb. May God continue to bless and guide you—with Love and Prayers.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Monday, September 7, 2015

Yes or No…No In Between

Again, you have heard that it was said to the men of old, you shall not swear falsely, but you shall perform your oaths to the Lord [as a religious duty]. But I tell you, do not bind yourselves by an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is the throne of God; or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you are not able to make a single hair white or black. Let your Yes be simply Yes, and your No be simply No; anything more than that comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:33-37 Amplified

Yes is Yes and No is No. Well…maybe. No. that is not what Jesus is teaching. Yes or No.

If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind. For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord….James 1:5-7 Amplified.

No wishy washy answers. Yes or No. Think. Follow Jesus’ teachings. Ask for what you need. Live for today and make the most of it…no giving in to the evil one’s influence. Is what you are struggling with answered by Jesus’ teachings? Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Think about it. Usually it boils down to those two things…God and neighbors. And who is your neighbor? Anyone and everyone. Some people have a hard time saying “No” to others. They just want to please others, or not to offend them, but they get walked over and used. If that is you…practice saying that important word…NO. Say it again, out loud…NO. One more time “NO.” Now it is in your vocabulary. Practice saying it as needed. You can still be loving and say, “NO.” Jesus is challenging us to make our Yes be Yes and our No be No. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, lead me today to follow Your will and Your way that I would be able to make my “Yes” be “Yes” and my “No” be “No” in a way that is pleasing and obedient to You.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Are You His Disciple? Go!

Jesus came and told His disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 NLT

So who is a disciple? Someone who follows—in this case, follows Jesus. A pupil or learner who imitates his leader—imitates Jesus. Here are some examples that Jesus used for those who cannot be His disciples. Find these scriptures in your Bible and read them in the context in which they were written.

· If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:26

· Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:27

· So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. Luke 14:33

Jesus was very specific in His instructions to His disciples before He ascended into Heaven.

· Make disciples in all nations.

· Baptize these new disciples in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

· Teach the new disciples to be obedient in following Jesus commandments.

· Remember that He is with us always.

Jesus went to Heaven so that the Heavenly Father could send the Holy Spirit—the Comforter or Helper. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26. He is with us always. Always is a long time—even to the end of the age. That may be sooner rather than later. No one, except the Heavenly Father, knows just when the “age will end” or when Jesus will return. Jesus told Peter, James, John and Andrew…But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Mark 13:32. We don’t know…people can guess, but they don’t really know. What we do know is that Jesus told His disciples to go out into the world, tell others about Him, making them His disciples, too. They are to be baptized and taught what Jesus said to do—His commands. That may seem simple—but it is only with the help of the Holy Spirit that we can even do that. So are you His disciple? Are you telling others about Jesus, making them His disciples?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, please continue to remind us of Jesus’ commands and of His presence with us always. Guide us in all we do and say that we would make disciples of others for Jesus—teaching them about our Lord and Savior, the Messiah; about You—our Helper and Comforter; and about our Heavenly Father. Praise be to God.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Blowing Trumpets…Not Just Blowing in the Wind

Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder by blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation’. Leviticus 23:24

Much of God’s instruction to the Hebrew people was repeated—just to emphasize the importance of His instructions. Now in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall also have a holy convocation; you shall do no laborious work. It will be to you a day for blowing trumpets. Numbers 29:1.

In the scripture passage above this holy day known as Rosh Hashanah, or Festival of the Trumpets, is the beginning of a New Year, but it isn’t celebrated like we celebrate our New Year. It is a time of remembering creation…and the beginning of a time of repentance. Actually ten days of repentance begins a few days later on Yom Kippur, read Leviticus 23:27-32. Jewish holidays aren’t well known by most Americans—but for Christians these should be part of our heritage, too—since our roots are in the Old Testament. Blow the trumpet. It was not really a trumpet, but a shofar. Have you ever heard a shofar sounded? It is sort of mournful. There are different sounds made, not necessarily different pitches, but short and long notes that are blown—rapid and extended sounds.

When Joshua and the Israelites conquered Jericho, there was great power released when the trumpets were sounded, the people shouted and the walls came tumbling down! Trumpets sounded at God’s command are powerful. In the book of Revelation it mentions that trumpets are sounded as alarms or announcements of events. Listen up. Start preparing your heart for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset this year on September 13^th and ends at nightfall on September 15^th. Do you want to honor God by following His directions on these festivals? The answer is not just blowing in the wind. God loves you—will you seek Him with all your heart?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, guide our hearts, thoughts, minds and actions that we would live to please You. May we find within You the power to rejoice in the New Year and to seek repentance and renewal in our relationships with You and with others. We give You the glory and honor and praise for all things good and honorable in our lives—for knowing us and allowing us to be part of Your family.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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Friday, September 4, 2015

The Lord’s Security for Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' Matthew 23:37-39

Jesus was addressing His disciples and the multitude presumably at the temple courtyard. He really wanted to provide security for the city of Jerusalem—for all the Jewish people, but they were not willing to recognize Jesus as Messiah. He was totally accusing the Pharisees and scribes of being hypocrites in this chapter of Matthew 23. Did they not read their Hebrew Bible? Jesus goes on to remind them (v. 35) of the first and last murders—Able and Zechariah. There is a verse in Zechariah that promises security for Jerusalem…People will live in it, and there will no longer be a curse, for Jerusalem will dwell in security. Zechariah 14:11. Considering the tension in the Middle East today…this is quite a wonderful promise. Security.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit...…may we feel the security that You wanted to give Jerusalem—like that of the mother hen gathering her chicks under her wings. May You bless and guide those in Jerusalem—keep them safe.

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

Cucumbers. They are in season now and the challenge is to find a way to eat them that you really enjoy. Here’s one that I’ve combined from one that a friend of my daughter’s shared with after she returned home from a trip to Italy and one frequently served by my husband’s Aunt Helene.

My Favorite Cucumber Salad

3 medium sized fresh cucumbers

1/2 cup sweet onions, thinly sliced and coarsely chopped

¾ cup cherry tomatoes, or bite-sized chopped fresh tomatoes

¼ cup Greek olives

½ cup Feta cheese

Olive oil – about ¼ cup

Sea Salt – freshly ground

Cut-off the blossom end the cucumber and rub the cucumber with it. This is a Chinese cooking school technique to remove any bitterness from the cucumber. Peal the cucumber leaving thin strips of green skin. Slice thinly. Combine with the sliced onion, tomatoes, and olives. Just before serving drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle liberally with the ground sea salt. Add the Feta Cheese. Serve and enjoy on a warm summer day.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Review God’s Promises

(God speaking) Let us review the situation together, and you can present your case to prove your innocence. Isaiah 43:26 NLT

Not many occurrences of “review” in the Bible—but it is a good practice to remind ourselves of God’s promises. In this example God is speaking to the Israelites. Isaiah 43 has some wonderful promises for the people of Israel: Isa 43:2, 5-7, 14-19, 25-26 (New Living Translation)

[2] When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. ... [5] "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you and your children from east and west. [6] I will say to the north and south, 'Bring my sons and daughters back to Israel from the distant corners of the earth. [7] Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.'" ... [14] This is what the LORD says--your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "For your sakes I will send an army against Babylon, forcing the Babylonians to flee in those ships they are so proud of. [15] I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel's Creator and King. [16] I am the LORD, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea. [17] I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses. I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned, their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick. [18] "But forget all that-- it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. [19] For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. ... [25] "I--yes, I alone--will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again. [26] Let us review the situation together, and you can present your case to prove your innocence.

Review what you have studied—read and recorded. Is there any promise there that God is giving to you? Is there an instruction, or as I have found in Colossians 3, virtues to seek in my own life? As we study God’s Word sometimes things get repeated over and over until we get the message. By reviewing we can see that more clearly.

Holy Spirit, show us what it is that You are trying to teach us today as we feast on Your Word.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

What Could You Offer God for Your Sin?

What the law could not do since it was limited by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours under sin's domain, and as a sin offering, in order that the law's requirement would be accomplished in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4 HCSB

Sin offering. He shall also bring his guilt offering to the LORD for his sin which he has committed, a female from the flock, a lamb or a goat as a sin offering. So the priest shall make atonement on his behalf for his sin. Leviticus 5:6. That was the Old Testament law providing for forgiveness for sin. Step into the New Testament era. That lamb would be Jesus on the cross—Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29. That holds true for us today. For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit…. 1 Peter 3:18. There is nothing we can do after we repent…to “take away” our sin. Jesus did that on the cross for us—just as it said…once for all. He was the sin offering. Thank you, Jesus.

Walk in the Spirit. That’s the way of life now for Christians to live…not by fleshly, worldly standards—but by God’s pure and holy standards. Choose life—pure and holy. We each have the choice—day by day, moment by moment.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, fill us with Your grace that we would choose to live lives of holiness—walking with You—praising Jesus for being our sin offering—our Lamb. Thank You, Jesus.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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Tuesday, September 1, 2015

No Guilty Verdict

Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit's law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:1-2 HCSB

No condemnation. No judgment—no guilty verdict. We are set free—totally and completely exonerated. Forgiven. The weight of a thousand tons has been removed from each of our shoulders—by Christ’s death on the cross. Free to live forever with Jesus…with the Holy Spirit. What an awesome gift that has been given to us by our Heavenly Father. Are you thankful?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—gather the grateful people together. Like the song…Come ye thankful people, come. We don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to be thankful. From Colossians 3:15, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Chronicles 16:34

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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Monday, August 31, 2015

Don’t Forget What You’ve Been Taught

Those who obey God's commandments remain in fellowship with Him, and He with them. And we know He lives in us because the Spirit He gave us lives in us. 1 John 3:24 NLT

Obedience is the key. Jesus is our ultimate example of an obedient person—the obedient Son. When I was recently reading in Proverbs I was reminded of these scripture on commandments…and obedience.

· My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments….Proverbs 3:1

· Then he taught me and said to me, "Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments and live….” Proverbs 4:4

· My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you. Proverbs 7:1

Obey God’s commandments.

Then the LORD your God will prosper you abundantly in all the work of your hand, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your cattle and in the produce of your ground, for the LORD will again rejoice over you for good, just as He rejoiced over your fathers; if you obey the LORD your God to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this book of the law, if you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and soul. Deuteronomy 30:9-10

These commandments that we are to obey are of course The Ten Commandments. Here’s the short list from Exodus 20.

1. You shall have no other gods before Me.

2. You shall not make idols.

3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5. Honor your father and your mother.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10. You shall not covet.

Do these and live—live in the Holy Spirit. Live…Love…in Obedience. Each of these can be taken literally…and with more depth, spiritually. Can you search your heart to apply them obediently?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—fill us anew today with Your love and a desire to be obedient—to honor the Lord our God by following His Commandments.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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Sunday, August 30, 2015

Is There any Encouragement from Belonging to Christ?

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Philippians 2:1-2 NLT.

Are you encouraged by being with other Christians? Do you enjoy fellowshipping with them? Are you encouraging to others as you spend time with them? Just as Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, it makes me happy when I see my Christian brothers and sisters loving each other and working together, thinking alike. It just warms my heart on Sunday morning...and other times...to see people hugging on each other and asking about each other’s’ family and how their week has gone. Joy. Love. Love is an action—doing, caring, supporting and encouraging others. Is your heart tender and compassionate? Do you show your love for others—your empathy—your compassion? Are you encouraging others?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, You show us how to live…how to love…how to encourage. Please continue to give us hope as we share God’s love with others.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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Saturday, August 29, 2015

By the Love of the Spirit

Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company. Romans 15:30-32

Refreshing rest in your company. Spending time with Christian friends—soulmates in the Lord—is truly revitalizing and energizing. I personally deeply enjoy—almost covet—that time that I can spend with those special friends—whether we work on a project, walk, exercise, worship, pray, study, eat together, play games or just visit. Paul talks about finding joy and rest—coming to see his Christian brothers in God’s will. Do you arrange your schedule—your time—so that you get to spend time with Christian friends? Or at least some time praying for them? Prayer is a powerful force—it changes hearts and lives. It is exhilarating to see the Lord working in the life of a family member, a friend, or neighbor—or yourself. What has God done in your life…recently, this week, or today? Don’t live by what God did for you ten years ago. Identify what He is doing right now. He miraculously healed and gave a quick recovery in the past three months to a neighbor who had a stroke. I prayed. God was on a tall ladder with me just a couple of days ago painting the eaves of a friend’s house—no fear--well not much fear. He helped me hold my tongue when I was upset with someone yesterday. That was a big thing! God is good. How do you see God working in your life?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—by Your love may my Christian friends find refreshing rest and the joy of the Lord as they fellowship with You and with each other. Show us ways that You are working in our lives to touch others and draw them into a relationship with Jesus.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Friday, August 28, 2015

Message of Joy

For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. 1 Thes-salonians 1:5-6 NLT

There is power in the name of Jesus…in the Holy Spirit…in the message of the Gospel. Power. God is powerful. According to Paul the church at Thessalonica received the message of the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus sacrifice and resurrection, with joy even though that message brought suffering to them. The Christians in Thessalonica were imitating Jesus and the apostles. Power…joy…suffering. Hang onto that message of joy. Joy from the Holy Spirit.

Paul wrote about affliction to the church in Corinth. Great is my confidence in you; great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction. For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within. 2 Corinthians 7:4-5. Let God’s joy fill and permeate your very soul. Will there be affliction or suffering in your joy?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, …for the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in You..in the Holy Spirit. (from Romans 14:17 NLT) Give us joy in our hearts today.

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

It is still zucchini time and there are so many fun ways to cook it. I love it roasted on the BBQ or in the oven; stir-fried with onions, other summer squash and carrots; or in tea breads or muffins. I recently made these zucchini muffins with my grandchildren. It can also can be made into bread. Amazing how kids will eat most anything that they cook or bake themselves. Makes kitchen time fun, memorable times.

Zucchini Muffins or Bread

1 cup vegetable oil

1¾ sugar

3 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups shredded zucchini

1 cup (8 oz can) crushed pineapple, drained

3 cups flour

½ tsp baking powder

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp sea salt

¾ tsp ground nutmeg

1½ tsp ground cinnamon

1 cup chopped nuts, optional

1 cup shredded sweetened coconut, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare muffin tins for 24 muffins by greasing the tins well or lining with paper cups. This can also be baked as two 9 x 5 inch loaves—so grease loaf pans.

Combine oil, sugar, eggs and vanilla extract and mix at medium speed for 2 minutes. Add zucchini and pineapple, mix well. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices on low speed until just combined. Fold in the nuts and coconut, if desired. Fill the muffin tins ¾ full, or divide the batter between the loaf pans. Bake muffins for 20-25 minutes, or until the center springs back when touched lightly in the center. Bake loaves for about 1 hour. Let cool – 5 minutes for muffins or 15 minutes for loaves—before removing from the pans. Serve warm.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Please the Lord--Walk in the Light

Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey Him. Don't participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Ephesians 5:6-10 NLT

Walk in the Light—Live as people of the light. Live what is good, right and true. In the verses prior to this passage above the “these sins” and Paul admonished the church at Ephesus. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Ephesians 5:3-5 NLT.

As Paul wrote to the Romans… The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Romans 13:12 NLT. Live right. God wants us to follow His commandments, as noted in Psalms… Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in His paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Psalm 119:2-4 NLT. Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live. Psalm 119:144 NLT. In addition, Solomon wrote in the book of Proverbs… Their(the Proverbs) purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Proverbs 1:3-6 NLT.

Jesus told a rich young man… "Why ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments." Matthew 19:17 NLT. Jesus also spoke about being the light…"I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12 NLT. Follow the light. Like bugs drawn to a porch light or a camper’s lantern, we are drawn to the light of the world…Jesus. We don’t have to walk in the darkness of the world—with its sinful nature. We can follow the light that Jesus provides…living with choices that take us closer to Jesus…by following His commandments. In speaking to the Pharisees He reminded them of the greatest of these…You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments. Matthew 22:37-40 NLT. How does your life measure up to what God wants…what He expects? Are your ways good, right and true?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit. Draw me close to You that I would keep God’s commandments entirely and live a life that is pleasing to the Lord…a thankful and obedient life filled with insight from Jesus—reflecting His glory.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Renewed by the Holy Spirit

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:5-7

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:21-24 NLT. Once again…we make our own choices. We can let the Holy Spirit renew us—our thoughts and attitudes. Attitudes are a big thing. Chuck Swindoll wrote in an essay an “Attitude” that included… I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes. We are “in charge of our Attitudes.” God allows us choices in our attitudes. The Holy Spirit will renew our attitude, if we choose to let Him. How’s your attitude today? Personally, I know I could stand to renew my attitude.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, renew my thoughts and attitudes that I would live to truly please the Lord.

Change me so that my attitude changes from within my heart, soul and mind.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Created for Good Works

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

Eternal salvation is a gift—not something that anyone can buy with money or by doing God some favor or good works. Paul was telling the church at Ephesus and us that we are created for good works—not to do them so that we can boast about them. As a result of our salvation we will want to do good stuff for God and for others to serve God. That’s about it…Paul taught that a couple of thousand years ago and it is still the same today. So we just have to “walk” or live by faith and obedience to God’s will and His ways. Have to? No—it our choice. God allows us to choose how we will live, act, walk on daily—moment by moment. How does the Holy Spirit play into this? The Holy Spirit guides us—although we still have a choice. Jesus told us about the Holy Spirit. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. John 16:13. So, are you listening to the Holy Spirit?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, help me to hear Your voice moment by moment so that I may walk and live in a manner that is acceptable and honoring to God. I choose to live by faith and obedience to my Lord and Savior.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm